The Spirit of
St. Louis @
april-may 2014
Called Forth –∏ not elected – through Discernment ∏
O
n Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2014, the newest Pastoral Council members will be called forth from our community by the Holy Spirit. In years past, council members were identified by a small committee and then the parish was invited to vote for the persons they wanted to be on the Pastoral Council. This method, while sufficient for civil authority, is not adequate for a faith community which calls upon God for every other aspect of its life. From its very beginning, the Church has used discernment based in prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit to call forth those to serve as its leaders, from choosing Matthias as Judas’ replacement to the selection of Pope Francis. What is discernment? According to the dictionary, discernment means “to understand something that is not immediately obvious; to be able to tell the difference between two or more things; to separate, determine.” Faithbased discernment is a process that is Spirit-led. It involves prayer and a willingness to be open to the Holy Spirit’s presence and direction in your life and the life of the faith community of St. Louis. The discernment process is as old as the Catholic Church. The Apostles used discernment to choose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:23-26) and the Church still uses it to this day to select each Pope. It is a process which compliments stewardship. Discernment calls upon individuals to examine and acknowledge their gifts from God and to use those gifts in the service of the parish as parish leaders. How will discernment take place at St. Louis Church? On Pentecost Sunday of each year, the parish of St. Louis will be asked to prayerfully discern who they believe God is calling forth as leaders in this faith community. Persons may put forward their
own name or the name of someone else. Those whose names have been called forth will be invited to a discernment session where they will further reflect on whether God is calling them to serve the St. Louis community as a member of the Pastoral Council. If there are more persons than positions open, a second discernment session will take place at the June Pastoral Council meeting. At that time, current members of the Pastoral Council, along with those called forth, will discern who among them God is calling to serve in the open positions. What can I do to prepare for this discernment? The best way to prepare for the discernment process at St. Louis is to prayerfully reflect and personally discern whether God is calling you to serve this faith community as a member of the Pastoral Council. Do not shut the Holy Spirit and God’s will out by denying you could be called. If we do not take time to listen to God we cannot hear God. For more information please contact Olga Henson at 512-736-9462 or email olga.henson@teradyne.com.
A newsletter of st. louis catholic church • 7601 burnet road, austin, tx • www.st-louis.org
Our
Parish Directory 512.454.0384 x220 Adult & Family Ministry Amy Allert, M.Th., Director x211 Business Office Brenda Beltran, Business Administrator x221 Childhood Ministry Beatriz Franceschi, Director x219 Christian Education Tina Juarez-Bailey, Ph.D., Director x244 Early Childhood Ministry Mary Beth Skinnell, Director x216 Hispanic Adult & Family Ministry Sumayah Abullarade, Director x213 Liturgical ministry Bea Lamb, Director x202 Music Chris Oelkers, Director x206 Senior Ministry Coral Migoni-Ryan, M.Div., M.Th., Director
Lenten Journey 2014
Preparing for Easter Confession and Absolution Lent is a time when we are called to repentance and conversion. Sin is before all else an offense against God and creates a rift in our communion with him. But it damages our relationship with the community of the church, especially those closest to us. In preparation for Easter, we are encouraged to make a “clean slate” of our lives that our hearts may be open to God’s plans for us. Please join us at these special reconciliation services before Easter. Multiple priests will be available to hear your confessions. Thursday, April 10 Friday, April 11
7:00pm Spanish 2:00pm & 7:00pm English Holy Week Schedule
April 13 Palm Sunday – Regular Sunday Mass schedule April 15 Tenebrae Service – 7:30pm April 17 Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:30pm (English) April 18 Good Friday 12:30 Noon Good Friday Liturgy (English) 3:30pm Good Friday Liturgy (Spanish) 5:30pm Via Crucis pageant on track April 19 Holy Saturday Vigil – 8:00pm April 20 EASTER SUNDAY Masses at 6:00am (Spanish), 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am (English); 1:30pm & 5:00pm (Spanish)
Holy Week Liturgies
PALM SUNDAY – Sunday, April 13 x265 Social Ministry Our regular weekend Mass schedule is marked by the reading of the Lord’s Passion Bea Dela Rosa, Director at all services. There will be a procession of palms before the 9:30am Sunday Mass, x239 St. Louis Catholic and all Masses will end in silence as we contemplate the Holy Week before us and School the sacrifice of our Lord. Patricia Romanies, M.Ed., Principal TENEBRAE SERVICE – Tuesday, April 15, 7:30 pm Led by a Gregorian Chant Choir, Tenebrae is an ancient service that reminds us of x205 Youth Ministry the darkness of our sins and our need for the Light of Christ. Small children are Paul Stadelman, Director discouraged from attending due to the meditative silence of this service and the loud noise at the end. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
TRIDUUM The Triduum speaks of the unity that exists between the meal shared in the upper room on Thursday evening, the death and burial of our Lord on Friday, and the resurrection victory that took place after sunset Saturday. The Triduum is the Lord’s Passover. Please join us during these three holiest days of the year.
The Spirit of St. Louis
3
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 17 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:30pm (English) The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. A reception of the Holy Oils, consecrated and blessed by the Bishop, are received in the parish on Holy Thursday at this Mass. The oils, in suitable vessels are carried in the procession of the gifts, before the bread and wine by members of the community. A procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the chapel ends the Mass. Adoration will be offered there until 12 Midnight. GOOD FRIDAY – April 18 Good Friday Liturgy (English) 12:30 Noon Good Friday Liturgy (Spanish) 3:30pm Via Crucis Pageant (Spanish) 5:30pm (track) Fasting, prayer and veneration of the Cross mark the solemn atmosphere of this day. We leave the church in complete silence to meditate on what we have just experienced. HOLY SATURDAY VIGIL – April 19, 8:00pm This is a night of waiting. Jesus is sealed in the tomb and thus we begin this evening without the benefit of light. We hear readings and sing psalms. We baptize the catechumens, greeting them with garments of white and anointing them with blessed oils. We pray for our newly baptized, remembering our own baptismal promises. We share our communal feast with our new members and we rejoice in the knowledge that Christ will be raised, casting his light upon our human darkness. EASTER SUNDAY – April 20 The regular Sunday Mass schedule will be followed at St. Louis. (6:00am in Spanish, 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am in English, 1:30pm and 5:00pm in Spanish.) The penitential rites on this day will take the form of a sprinkling with water blessed at the Vigil. The rite of renewal of our baptismal promises is repeated after the homily.
Ashes to Easter Lenten Boxes Last year your support of the Lenten “mite” boxes benefitted multiple ministries around the world. These ministries, chosen by the Diocese of Austin included missions and missinaries from some of the poorest nations. Your donations to the Lenten boxes DO make a huge difference! Please return them during Holy Week. Your generosity to those who need it the most is gratefully appreciated!
BACK-TO-BACK CONFIRMATIONS On Tuesday, May 13th, Bishop Joe Vasquez will join us for two Confirmation services, back-to-back. One will be at 5:00pm and a second one at 7:00pm. Due to the expected crowds, there will be no 6:00pm Spanish Mass that Tuesday. Please mark your calendars! THE HEALING SACRAMENT Don’t forget that the Sacrament of Healing with laying-on of hands and anointing will be offered next on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27th, during the 9:00pm Compline service in the Chapel. Normally, the Sacrament of Healing is offered on the second Sunday, but that is the beginning of Holy Week this year. Compline will continue to be held every Sunday at 9:00pm as scheduled. Just the Sacrament of Healing will change for April only. Join us for this weekly, meditative service of beautiful Gregorian chant. You’ll be glad you did!
Prayers for New Members
Please pray for the children, youth and adults who will be brought into the Catholic Church at Easter. Your continued prayers are needed as they journey through Lent preparing for their Sacraments of Initiation. Lists of the new initiates will be posted in summer newsletters.
Adult
and
Family Formation
young adult, adult and family faith formation ministries.
Fellowship of Catholic Men The Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men has an active chapter at St. Louis Church. All men over the age of 18 are invited to participate, sharing Scripture, spiritual reading and their faith. The group meets each Sunday evening at 7:00pm in the narthex. Many will stay for the 9:00pm Compline service afterward. For more information, contact Steve Watkins swatkins@caci.com or (512) 836-4777.
Women of Faith
A women’s spiritual enrichment group that explores the feminine genius of being created in God’s image will continue this spring with their morning meetings. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7:30 am in the Parish Education Center – PEC 201 with breakfast and fellowship first, followed by an exploration of women’s spirituality drawing upon various resources and including group discussions. This is a great way for women of all walks of life to start their day. To register, or for more questions please contact Kim Barger at kimb@bargers.com
HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE This monthly hour for life is held every third Monday in the Adoration Chapel from 7:00-8:00pm. Join us April 21 and May 19 in praying for a culture of life. Those without the code to the Adoration Chapel (after hours) are encouraged to contact Joshua Merrill at 512-879-7514 or Joshua_Merrill@baylor.edu
Mothers of Young Children All mothers with children preschool aged and younger are invited to come together for fellowship, support and spiritual nourishment. We will meet for spiritual formation on the first and third Fridays of the month and at a park for mommy and child(ren) playtime on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at 10:30am. Children are welcome at all gatherings. Our first meeting will be April 11th at 10:30am in the Parish Education Center (upstairs). Please email Shanna Steinbach with any questions at shannakathleene@gmail.com
A.C.T.S. Women’s Retreat The next Women’s ACTS Retreat is coming June 19-22 What is A.C.T.S? ACTS is a parish retreat which brings parishioners closer
to one another, but more importantly, closer to God. Attend an ACTS retreat at your next opportunity! You won’t regret it as it may be the best retreat you’ve ever taken. The retreat begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday at the 11:30am Mass, celebrated with the parish community. Retreats for men and women are given separately. The weekend allows people to experience God’s love and joy. They return with a deeper love for each other, our Lord and it is a powerful community-building experience. Invite your wife, mother, sister, cousin or friend! All women are welcome. It is not necessary to be Catholic. For information and registration, contact Bunny Newby at 512-971-7249 or bnewbyus@yahoo.com
The King's Men Friday Morning Fellowship
Parish men of all ages are invited to be part of The King’s Men! This weekly Friday morning fellowship breakfast begins and ends promptly from 6:00am to 7:30am for those who must go to work. Sessions focus on a 13-week video series, Beginning Apologetics, by Father Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham that covers the history and reasoning behind our Catholic beliefs and traditions. Attendance and materials are free. The King’s Men meet in support of their personal faith development so that they may become better husbands, fathers and servant leaders in our community. They come together to deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ, their families and their community so as to live their faith in everyday life. Newcomers always welcome! Register via mobile phone, text KINGSMEN to 84576.
The Spirit of St. Louis
5
Catholic Scripture Study Back This Fall
Feast of the Divine Mercy
Come celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy and the celebration of the Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II on Sunday April 27th at 2:45pm in the Chapel. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, readings from the Diary (English and Spanish) and sung Chaplet will be part of this observance. All are welcome. This year’s Divine Mercy Sunday will be especially memorable as the Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II will be enrolled among the saints in Rome. Divine Mercy was a special day for Blessed John Paul II, who established the feast in 2000. Its origins date back to Polish nun St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) who had a devotion to the Divine Mercy after an encounter with Jesus. Blessed John Paul II, who died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005, was known for his special devotion to Mary and the Holy Spirit and there were two miracles attributed to him. For Blessed John XXIII, who was pope from 1958 to 1963 and convened the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis took the rare step of waiving the requirement of a second miracle, paving the way for his imminent canonization. In any cause for sainthood, the Pope has the authority to dispense with the second miracle. Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the 261st Bishop of Rome, was popularly known as “good Pope John”.
Perpetual Adoration During Lent, many of you have spent time with the Lord in perpetual adoration as a gift that you give yourself and the parish. Please don’t let your commitment stop with Easter! Anyone is welcome at any time during the day or night to pray and meditate in the small Adoration chapel. After hours, nights and weekends, please use the keypad entrance that requires a code. The locked doors at these times provide security for adorers and for the sanctuary building itself. If you can commit to a specific time each and every week, you are truly a blessing! Keeping watch with the Blessed Sacrament is such a privilege and honor and your life will be enriched by the time spent with Jesus. To sign-up for a specific hour each week or for keypad code information, please contact Joshua Merrill at Joshua_Merrill@baylor.edu or 512-879-7514. Please note that during Holy Week, the Adoration Chapel hours may vary. Typically, Adoration is shut down on Holy Thursday and does not re-open until Easter Sunday. Watch for notices on the website or in publications regarding changes in the schedule.
The Wednesday morning CSS Bible Study that has met at St. Louis for fourteen years, completes its spring semester April 2nd. It was another wonderful year of in-depth scripture study! Watch in August for updated advertising on the next fall program. You may register online throughout the summer at www.cssaustin. org or contact Rosemary Howard with questions (512) 345-3687.
ST. LOUIS BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
This dedicated ministry provides food and comfort to registered parishioner’s families and friends grieving the loss of their loved one. There are several Bereavement teams and each team serves in rotation. Team leaders will call members for food donations to be delivered to a central location. If Wozniak Hall is available and needed, a group leader may also ask for help to set-out food and serve. Those in this ministry are usually called to donate food about two times a year. There are no meetings to attend. Food donations do not have to be homemade. The group leader will have an idea of what food the family needs when calling team members. Funerals are during the day, so there is no night driving. Men and women interested in serving in this ministry can contact Jane Hellinger 512-452-9748 or Frances Krause 512-453-4823 or leave your name and number at the Church Office for more information.
New leadership in your ministry?
If you have elected new officers or other leadership in your ministry/organization that meets on the St. Louis campus, be sure the new people are certified in the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies of the Diocese of Austin. They must have completed an Application for Ministry for a background check and should have attended an EIM workshop. Call Brenda Beltran (512) 454-0384 x211 or contact her by email to report names of new leaders or to check on EIM status: brenda. beltran@st-louis.org
St. Louis Catholic School news preparing the leaders of tomorrow with the light of Christ as their guide
Registration Update for 2014 - 2015 Year Our school is currently accepting applications for the 2014 - 2015 school year. If you would like information or a personal tour, please contact Mrs. Rosalie Dowling at 512/614-
6622, ext. 245. Forms and additional information are also available on the school website at www.st-louis-school.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
First Reconciliation Congratulations! We would like to extend congratulations to our 2nd grade class on making their First Reconciliation on February 25, 2014. After months of hard work and preparation, they are on their way to First Eucharist! We would like to thank their teachers, Mrs. Barbara Fletcher and Mrs. Terri Kunkel, for their dedication to our students. Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Kunkel do a marvelous job of sharing their faith with the students and we appreciate it! The following students received First Reconciliation: William (Blake) Adams Elaine Berend Paul Berend Courtney Cantu Joaquin Campos Ethan Dao Sara Dolezal
Justin Frasier Biniam (Bini) Gonzalez Renae Friesenhahn Danica Isechal Sofia Hamlet Hope Jackson Emma Jackson
Sebastian Marquez Olivia Mayes Clara Richardson Katherine (Kate) Merrill Nicholas Newton Mauricio Ramos David Solis
Isabel Speck Thu Tran Reese Vernieuw Ben Wallis Mikaela Washlesky Jude White
Lenten Activities Planned Around Our Campus Lent around St. Louis Catholic School is an exciting time of learning for all, as we prepare for Easter. Many of the primary classes will do activities such as prayer journaling, making Lenten crosses of daily scripture, and collecting pennies every day for an almsgiving cross. “Hermie the Butterfly, good deed of the day” comes out each Lent; as the each good deed is complete, Hermie gains color! Memorizing scripture, keeping track of what we give up and do extra ~ written on purple hearts and posted for all to see, dedicating one day per week to special Lenten lessons, planting seeds (Seeds of New Life), making Stations of the Cross booklets, drawing life-sized Stations of the Cross, and making Sacrament of Forgiveness books while learning about and practicing forgiving, are some of the many elementary activities planned.
during Lent and Holy Week, and use a prayer series based on the Liturgy of the Hours, “Praying Lent this Year” as a reflection and study guide in addition to special Lenten activities in all the Middle School subjects.
Faith Families activities and lessons planned by specials teachers include reading and doing an activity based on The Story of the Sand Dollar, and learning and singing Lenten Hymns and chants, in both English and Latin. The hymns they sing will reinforce the scripture passages that will be read during the school Masses during Lent. The PE Department SMILE MILE run will be replaced with a Rosary Run, where the class runs/jogs around the gym floor and each student takes a turn leading the individual prayers. Running, jogging, and walking alternate during the prayers. Last but not least, what Catholic doesn’t love BINGO? This Bingo game is played with terms and Middle School students will begin each day with special key people related to Lent. Discussing these terms and Lenten prayers, do MUGS (Grammar drills) with people daily will reinforce their lessons. Lenten themes, learn about the historical and spiritual significance of celebrating Lent, learn the meaning of each We wish you all a prayerful Lent! of the symbols, colors, and rituals that we participate in The mission of St. Louis Catholic School is to prepare the leaders of tomorrow with the light of Christ as their guide.
April 2014 School Calendar DATE April 2 April 3 April 5 April 8 April 9 April 17 April 18 April 20 April 21 April 23
Diocesan Science Fair @ St. Dominic Savio School Penance Service (Gr. 3 – 8) All School Mass Holy Thursday ~ All School Early Release Good Friday ~ All School Holiday Easter Sunday Easter Monday ~ All School Holiday All School Mass Home & School Meeting in School Library
April 25
Talent Show @ Wozniak Hall Be Our Voice Day! Bake Sale, Jeans Day Honor’s Reader/RASL Party Day! Home & School Association’s Annual Golf Tournament All School Mass Progress Reports go Home
April 28 April 30
DATE May 1 May 2 May 3 May 7 May 9 May 10 May 11 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 26 May 30
The Spirit of St. Louis
7
EVENT All School Mass Report Cards go Home Final Honor’s Readers Lists Due
May EVENT
Resurrection Egg Hunt As part of the School’s Holy Week activities our 8th graders will hide numbered, filled eggs for their kindergarten buddies to find. Once each Kindergarten student has a full car ton their buddy prayerfully will help open each egg in number order, then read and discuss each enclosed explanation of the Easter Mystery and examine each symbol. After closing prayer the 8th graders will make sure the Kinder egg cartons are complete so they can take the resurrection car tons home to share with their families.
2014 School Calendar
Early Dismissal for Students Parent/Teacher Conferences Track and Field Day (AM) Early Dismissal for Students SoundWaves Band Competition @ Schlitterbahn All School Mass ~ May Crowning Honor’s Reader / RASL Party Day! First Eucharist ~ 2nd Grade Happy Mother’s Day! All School Mass Sports Banquet in Wozniak Hall (Grades 5 – 8) BOV Day! Jeans Day and 7th Grade Bake Sale School Board Meeting in PEC 201 8th Grade Awards Mass Home & School Ice Cream Social ~ General Meeting Spring Band Concert (Details in School Office) 8th Grade Graduation Mass (Evening) All School Holiday ~ Memorial Day Last Day of School Mass
Living Stations of the Cross Students in grades 2 – 7, faculty, staff, and family members will end Holy Thursday’s school day with a live presentation of the Stations of the Cross, enacted by the school’s 8th grade class. Led by Middle School Religion Teacher, Mr. Willie Gomez, the students have prepared extensively for this presentation and it will be well received by all in attendance.
a c r a m e n t s i s n ot a G To R e c e i v e t h e S oa l … It is a
T
Journey!
he reception of the sacraments for the first time is not just a special time of grace for the children but also for their families and all the parish community. All Christians share the joy and happiness of this day; however, we need to debunk some ideas that could deform the wonder of the Sacraments. When many children of our parish are preparing to receive the sacraments for the first time in April and May, along with our prayers for them, we can do some reflections... 1. "Let the children come to me..." (Mk 19:14). Before other considerations, the first thing is to realize that Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with each of these little ones. We are at risk of despising childhood religiosity, thinking that children are not "mature" enough to discern with a critical spirit, without being swayed by the influences of their environment, and without being able to make definitive life choices. However, this is not the thought reflected in the Gospel of Jesus Christ: "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 18:3) "And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. "Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them." (Mk 10:13-16) Undoubtedly, this Gospel reading shows that the pride of the adult is a much greater obstacle for the union with God, than children's immaturity. God is perfectly capable of transmitting His timeless message in a simple language for his children. Moreover, He wants to do it! And possibly our "adult" language is much more impenetrable for Him. The First Communion of our children reminds us of the Gospel ideal of being like children with all their simplicity and purity, in following Christ. 2. "Woe to the one that shall scandalize one of these little ones." Let’s not forget that one of the hardest passages spoken by Jesus in the Gospel is the one where He denounces the grave sin of adults who defile the innocence of children. "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. But whoever that shall scandalize one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." The word "scandal" comes from the Greek word "skandalon", which refers to the movable trigger of a trap or the trap itself. By extension it applies to any obstacle placed in the way that causes the hiker to slip or fall. The Lord applies the term scandal in the moral sense. Whoever leads another person to sin—by their bad example, sinful actions, immoral advice or opinions—diverting them from
the path of righteousness that leads to true Life, causes scandal to him/her. We are not talking here of isolated and particular cases, but of a culture that artificially robs the innocence of a child, and prevents them from enjoying and benefiting from it. No doubt, this is one of the biggest obstacles for children, to obtain all the fruits and benefits that God expects of their First Communion. Our suggestive consumer culture continuously poses to children a whole cluster of "strong feelings" that divert their attention, and hinders their great natural openness to the spiritual values. Given the enormous responsibility that we all have toward the "little ones" we cannot repeat the words of Cain, "am I my brother’s keeper?" (Gen 4, 9). Or, "If one is scandalized (fairly) for what I do, it's not my problem." Wrong! We are responsible for the edification of our fellow human beings; it is our moral obligation to be a good example for others. We as real Christians should be a reference for the little, the fragile and weak ones in faith. We should be the ones people emulate for our impeccable behavior and a life of faith that leads them to our Lord Jesus and his Church. "Today, I love you more than 3. yesterday but less than tomorrow." It's a mistake that we emphasize so much that it is the "First" Communion, and let go unnoticed the "second" or "third". For our children, beyond their natural enthusiasm for the new, we must convey that more important than the first Communion is the second, the third than the second, or the forth than the third, and this reflection must also take us adults to examine the way we receive the most precious gift ... Jesus in the Eucharist. On Sunday May 26, 2013, Feast of the Holy Trinity, Pope Francis presided Mass at Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah Parish in Rome, where he gave First Communion to 16 children and distributed Communion to another 28. "Jesus walks with us, helps us, guides us" - Pope Francis explained in dialogue with the children receiving first communion. "And Jesus gives us the strength to walk," he said. "He sustains us in difficulties. With the Eucharist He gives us strength, He comes to us. But does a piece of bread give me so much strength," Francis asked. The kids responded: No! >>>
Easter Resources in the Parish Library Come to the parish library before and during the Easter Season. We have resources to enrich your spiritual reflection. You can check out books, CDs and DVDs. There also are Easter books for children, both picture books and good reading for the older child. The library volunteers will be glad to help you find something. Here is a sampling of our Easter reads: Seek That Which Is Above, by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Meditations on our life in Christ as it should be lived through the seasons of the year, including the Easter mystery. This book has beautiful artwork by the great masters and illustrations of icons.
Jesus is Risen. Alleluia!, By Mary Murphy. This is the Easter book in the Liguori Big Book series. Each illustration is accompanied by a rhyme to help children remember the story. Includes suggestions for parents on how to use this, or any book, to develop your child’s faith life.
The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection, by Lee Strobel. The author explains what led him from atheism to Christianity. Writing in a journalistic style, he examines medical evidence, evidence of the missing body, and evidence of appearances.
The Easter Cave, by Carol Wedeven. A delightful telling of the first Easter. The progressive rhyme is in the style of The Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, with each line building on the previous. It’s so easy for young children to memorize.
Ten Series of Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary, by Rev. John Ferraro. The book is divided into ten topics, with ten meditations on each of the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. This unique arrangement allows you to avoid repeating the prayers mechanically. Be sure to read the Glorious Mystery sections. When Easter is here, what could be more appropriate than meditating on the resurrection. Revelations of Divine Mercy, by George Kosicki. The second Sunday of Easter, April 27, is Divine Mercy Sunday. This book has a short biography of St. Faustina, and meditations taken from her diary. We are asked to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as a novena beginning on Holy Saturday. Stay tuned for more library features on the website www.st-louis.org.
The Spirit of St. Louis
9
>>> SACRAMENTS, cont. It is the Body of Christ. The Pope said: "It looks like bread, but it is the Body of Jesus. Jesus comes into our hearts. (...) Let´s all think about this: the Father has given us life, Jesus has given us salvation. He accompanies us, guiding us, sustaining us, and teaching us. The Holy Spirit loves us, gives us love. Think of God like this, and ask the Virgin -our Mother who always comes quickly to help us- to teach us to fully understand how God is." Let us pray for the children of our Parish who will receive communion for the first time, so they come to our Lord´s Table, with pure heart and full of love. Prayer for the Children who will receive First Communion:
Lord our God; we give you praise and thanksgiving on behalf of all the parents of these children, whom you for the first time will sit at your table, and will feed with the Sacred Bread. Lord, you have entrusted to us the great responsibility of educating your children. We must not only assure their subsistence, but above all, you ask us to make them true Christians. We commit ourselves Lord, with your help and love, to be vigilant so this First Communion is a starting point for their Christian lives. But you, our God and Father know we are inconstant. Help us to fulfill what we have promised. We ask you this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit we give glory and praise forever and ever. AMEN
St. Louis King of France Annual Easter egg hunT When:
Sunday, April 20th, after 9:30am Mass
Where:
In front of the school gym by the water fountain.
Bring your own basket! Ages 3 to 8
Join the fun!
St. Louis Flower Guild St. Louis Flower Guild welcomes volunteers throughout the year to enhance our worship spaces. There are two ways to volunteer: 1) Each Friday, join a team that is creating the floral arrangements for the weekend Masses. 2) Volunteers are especially needed before major feasts like Christmas and Easter. Call Dolores Rumpf 512-836-2190 for additional details. Whether you can give two hours or ten, come help us decorate God’s house!
WEEKEND ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to honor or memorialize a loved one or a special family event, consider donating toward the altar flowers for a particular weekend. Call Evelyn McNair 512-454-0283 x 209 or email her at evelyn.mcnair@st-louis.org and send a check for $65.00 payable to St. Louis Church. Your donation will benefit our St. Louis Flower Guild that offers fresh floral arrangements weekly in our main nave. Also please look for special pink envelopes in the narthex track racks in April and honor your mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and step-mothers for Mother’s Day May 11th, with a special donation in their honor. All donations in the pink envelopes will benefit the Altar Flower Guild Fund. Thank you for your ongoing support that beautifies our sanctuary and honors your loved ones!
Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliar y
KC Ladies Auxiliar y encourages members to enrich their spiritual life, promotes a spirit of friendship and gives assistance to the KC Council in developing independent programs and projects. Membership is open to any lady over 18 years of age, Catholic or non-Catholic whose husband, father, son, brother or sweetheart is a member in good standing of a Knights of Columbus Council, or the widow/daughter of a deceased member. If you have questions or need more information, please contact President Julia Johnson at 512836-1726.
senior MINISTRY for the young at heart
Chrism Mass The Chrism Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The senior transportation bus will leave St. Louis Catholic Church parking lot at 9:15 a.m. and return by approximately 2:00 p.m. The cost of the transportation is $5.00. For reservations and/or more information, please contact the Senior Ministry office.
Bible Timeline Class Classes are taught on Tuesdays, in the Main Room of Wozniak Hall from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Everyone is invited to attend.
Painted Churches Trip A trip to the Painted Churches is scheduled for Thursday, May 15. Information about cost and departure time will be in the bulletin. For reservations, please contact the Senior Ministry office.
Driver Safety Class AARP Driver Safety Class will be offered on Thursday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Wozniak Hall. The class fee is $15.00 for AARP members and $20.00 for non-members. The class may qualify you for a reduction in your insurance. For more information and/or to register, please contact the Senior Ministry office.
Feast Day Planning Our parish Feast Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2014. It will be a repeat of last year’s successful Feast of Many Nations. Parish Council members are seeking volunteers now to help with food/cooking, marketing/ticket sales in the summer and set-up/clean-up on that day. Now is the time to plan before summer vacations. If you would like to be part of this popular parish event, please contact Lupe Barragan at lupe@casachapala. com. We welcome your participation in planning, sharing your culture’s dishes or just helping us make this another memorable event in our parish!
LOURDES & ITALY PILGRIMAGE 11 Days: November 3 - 13, 2014 Host - Fr. Matt Iwuji Includes taxes and tips, Daily Breakfast Pastor of St. Albert The Great Church & 7 Dinners, Accommodations at $3592 - Round Trip from Austin First Class/Select hotels For registration form contact:
Mary Rodriguez at mary@saintalbert.org or 512-837-7825
parish social MINISTRy serving the neediest among us
Annual Donation Drive May 17th and 18th
Now that the Food Stamps Program (SNAP) has been cut back, our lines at the St. Louis Food Pantry are getting longer and the need in the neighborhoods is greater. We ask that you participate in our ST. LOUIS FOOD PANTRY and MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES ANNUAL DONATION DRIVE in May with items listed on a bag that will be given out on May 17th and 18th. Then you are asked to return the BAGS on the following weekend of May 24th and 25th. Even though it’s Memorial Day weekend we’ll accept the bags/donations at any time of the year. Mobile Loaves & Fishes is in dire need of shaving cream, razors, mouth wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste. We are also short on summer t-shirts and socks. We appreciate any and all donations.
The Spirit of St. Louis
11
The Garden Ministry The Garden Ministry seeks volunteers to help with garden maintenance. Ongoing tasks include weeding, watering and harvesting as well as various construction projects. Volunteer hours are Thursdays from 4:00-6:00pm and Saturdays for 9:00-11:00am. No experience necessary! Join one of the crews of three to five volunteers and rotate your service in the garden with other “green thumbs”. Contact AnnaWalsh for more information or to sign up for a time annaruthwalsh@ gmail.com The garden is in need of hoes, rakes, buckets, nail-free lumber, scissors for harvesting and bagged leaves and grass clippings (mostly free of seed heads). Come be par t of our “growing” ministry! Have you noticed new feathered additions in the Aviary? Thanks to Steve and Jacky Watkins, we now have Rhode Island Reds in the St. Francis Aviary behind the Church Office. These chickens have star ted laying eggs and are potentially the first generation in what may eventually be par t of a St. Louis “Chicken Run”, producing large quantities of fresh eggs for our Food Pantry.
Please Save the Date: April 4, 2014 – The Mammogram Pink Bus will be in the South end of the Church. Please call 512-324-3375 for your appointment.
music MINISTRy THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT ST. LOUIS CHURCH
Choral Concert
Friday, May 11 at 7:30 pm
Ensemble VIII presents a concert of English music from the Tudor era, including the Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis. For ticketing information, go to www.ensembleviii.org.
Organ Recital
Friday, May 30 at 7:30 pm
St. Louis Parish welcomes Alvez T Barkoskie IV in a concert of varied works on the recently expanded Wicks-Ballard chancel organ. Alvez is completing his second master’s degree in organ performance at OU.
Former St. Louis Student, Michelangelo Rodriguez wins again in the 4th Annual Sara & Ernest Butler Texas Young Composers Competition. His winning piece will be performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Dell Hall at the Long Center. Michelangelo is currently a junior at St. Dominic Savio High School. Congratulations to Michelangelo!
Early Childhood Ministry Serving our youngest parishioners
Children’s Liturgy
There will be no Children’s Liturgy on Easter Sunday. Last day for Children’s Liturgy before summer break is Sunday, May 18. We will resume August 17.
Sunday Nursery
There will be no Sunday Nursery on Easter Sunday so our staff may enjoy Easter with their families.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Monday, June 23- Friday, June 27 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
At Weird Animals VBS, kids discover that Jesus’ love is one-of-a-kind. Weird Animals is a habitat filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life-something we call God Sightings. Cost is $30.00 per child. Each child will receive a t-shirt, Bible Buddies, Science Gizmo, and one CD per family.
OUR SACRAMENTS OUR FAITH “The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church123) BAPTISMS February 6 – March 5, 2014 Olivia Grace Sowada Arturo Ramon Lopez Eduardo Inaki Mendez-Camarillo William Edahir Mendez-Camarillo Lucia DeLa Rosa MARRIAGES AND CONVALIDATIONS February 6 – March 5, 2014 Salvatore Galati and Ziyue Shao RECENTLY DECEASED Raymond Thaddeus Henry Mona Ruth Weeks Carmen Moreno Jon Anthony Davis
Your kids will also participate in a mission project for the St. Louis Social Ministries. (More to come on how we will be helping our community). Please register on-line at https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/stlouis You may pay on-line at st-louis.weshareonline.org on our on-line giving site, or at the church office. Do you enjoy music? Do you love working with children? Then VBS is looking for you! We are currently looking for the following site leaders: • Sing & Play Stampede Leader - Lead songs each day, share the Bible Point, and be excited about the children finding God Sightings. • The Tail End Leader - At the end of each day you will put on a shor t skit (already written) for the kids using props and kids as your assistants.
St. Louis Early Childhood Development Center now accepting applications for fall 2014 enrollment (Children ages 12 months-5 years of age)
For more information, contact Mary Beth Skinnell, Director or Margaret English-Knipp, Assistant Director at 512-454-0384 ext 244.
The Spirit of St. Louis
13
SANCTUARY CANDLE MEMORIALS The sanctuary candle is traditionally seen in Catholic churches, burning constantly to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. At St. Louis, in both the main nave and the chapel, sanctuary candles are burning high The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) the above the floor in beautifully ornate We have openings for 2 year olds and 4 year olds in the fall. Stop by our fixtures suspended from the ceiling. school (located in Wozniak Hall) to see why we are the best school for your Parishioners are given the opportunity to child’s spiritual and academic needs. Our staff has over 100 years of combined memorialize a deceased loved one with a $10 contribution, selecting a specified experience teaching young children. week in which one or both of the two sanctuary candles will be burned in their ECDC Calendar honor. Visit the church office with your donation, the name of your loved one, April 4 Donuts with Dad 7:30-9:30 April 6 12-Week of the Young Child, we will notify parents regarding your choice of sanctuary candle and the selected week. Memorials are denoted daily events at ECDC. in the Main Nave (M/N) or Chapel April 14 Seder with the Pre-K at 10:00 with Fr. Larry in Wozniak Hall (C). Memorials reserved since the last April 17 Easter Basket Blessing at 10:00 in the Narthex with Fr. Vincent newsletter deadline include:
April 18 April 21 April 24 May 2 May 23
Closed Good Friday Closed Easter Monday Bike Day for Pre-K Muffins with Mom Pre-K Graduation 10:00, End of year potluck 11:00, school dismisses at 12:00.
Week of the Young Child During the Week of the Young Child, ECDC will focus on two themes: Play: Where Learning Begins Teaching and Teachers Matter
The Power of Play
Have you ever heard someone remark about an early childhood program “All the children do there is play”? At good early childhood programs, there is a lot of playand there should be! Years of research on children’s learning and development document the many benefits of play for children’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and language development. Children at play are actively involved in creating themes, exploring and establishing environments, solving problems, and developing shared understandings. Providing them with simple, interesting materials-no newfangled, expensive gadgets required-kids take it from there. Play is fun. But it also is serious business that pays big dividends to its eager, young investors.
April 13 - 19 Memory of Robert Dunlap/Victor Cooke by Karen Dunlap (C) April 27 – May 3 Memory of Raphael Pavlica by Teresa Dellana (C) Memory of Roger H. Keith by Carol Keith (M/N) May 18 - 24 Memory of John & Margaret Barnes by Rita Barnes (M/N and C)
Is Your Information Correct?
Do we have your most up-to-date address and phone information? Are you receiving church envelopes monthly or quarterly in the mail? If not, please contact Belinda at the church office to update your records (512) 454-0384 or Belinda.bryant@st-louis.org
Parish News 2013 Tax Statements
We are grateful for all donations, large or small, and hope that your generosity will bring you much needed tax relief when filing your 2013 tax returns this year. Per IRS regulations, St. Louis Catholic Church automatically sends out 2013 tax statements to anyone who has given a single donation of at least $250. Donors who don’t quite meet this threshold may contact the church office at 512.454.0384 x 201 to request your statement. We are happy to mail your first statement at no charge, but we ask that you pick up replacement statements from the Church Office during regular business hours.
Publication Deadlines
The next monthly parish newsletter will be the issue for June-July. Thank you for submitting items no later than May 5th to evelyn.mcnair@st-louis.org or bulletin@st-louis.org Weekly bulletin deadlines are always 10 days in advance of an intended weekend. Submit items to bulletin@stlouis.org no later than Wednesdays at Noon. Due to a move by our editor, Jessica Connolly, bulletin deadlines may temporarily vary at the end of April and first week of May. Just to be safe, submit news items by April 10th for bulletins dated April 20, April 27, and May 4th.
PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRY For details on monthly sewing sessions or to purchase a blanket, contact Evelyn Janecka at 512-453-6466. Watch for the next Prayer Blanket Sale on Divine Mercy Weekend, April 26-27, in the narthex. Thanks to your suppor t of their blanket sales, the Prayer Blanket Ministry recently gave over $3,700 toward the cost of a new set of Lenten vestments for the parish. Your generosity enables them to give back to the parish!
and
Updates In Memory Former parish secretary and long-time parishioner, Carmen Tamayo Moreno, passed away on Friday, February 28th at the age of 76. She was a member of our church staff from the late 70’s to the early 90’s and was the first “bilingual” secretary that we had. Carmen always thought the “bilingual” title was amusing because she grew up speaking only English, but had to learn Spanish after marriage in order to talk to her mother-in-law. Her husband Jesse died in April of 2010.
Their six children attended St. Louis School and Carmen and Jesse were familiar faces at all parish and school events. She is survived by her children, twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also left behind ten brothers and five sisters. Her mother who was 101, survived Carmen by only eighteen hours, before dying in Lockhart. The funeral Mass for Carmen was held on Friday, March 7th, with burial at Assumption Cemetery in south Austin. Current St. Louis Church staff remembers Carmen as a dedicated employee who “never met a stranger” while on the job. She was a vital part of our history because up until she joined the office, church work had been handled by only one part-time secretary. Carmen’s hiring was the beginning of a new era, evidence that St. Louis Parish was growing in size and ministries, with greater diversity than in years past.
Kudos to Monsignor David Maria Jaeger, OFM, JCD This recent photo shows our former Associate Pastor shaking the hand of Pope Francis. Msgr. Jaeger, was also the former Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Austin and is now a Prelate Auditor of the Roman Rota, the highest court of the Holy See. He was appointed a Justice by Pope Benedict XVI in the spring of 2011. But two decades ago, when Msgr. Jaeger was assigned to St. Louis Parish, he was also the legal adviser of the Holy See’s delegation to the negotiations with the State of Israel. December 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of this landmark “Fundamental Agreement Between the Holy See and the State of Israel” that Msgr. Jaeger helped broker. To read an interview with Msgr. Jaeger and to learn more about this historical agreement in 1993, you are invited to read the Winter 2013 edition of the official publication of Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) by going to www.onemagazinehome.org
The Spirit of St. Louis
15
Religious Vocations The Diocese of Austin Vocation Office has produced a helpful prayer guide, Discerning Whether to Apply to the Seminary? “Discernment is not primarily an issue of a method, but rather a process of prayer by which one seeks to know and follow God’s will with deeper love. Discernment flows out of a real and continuous union with God in prayer.” The booklet covers the considerations one must make in discernment and offers different kinds of prayer for making a “graced decision”. Please call the Vocations Office at 512-949-2430 to obtain a copy. ST. LOUIS TO HOST SEMINARIAN GATHERING
The Vocations Office of the Diocese of Austin brings together the seminarians and their parents for a special Prayer Service and Reception annually. Members of the Serra Club of Austin act as hosts. St. Louis is proud to offer our Chapel and Narthex for this purpose on an evening in May. Although not open to the public, this event is just another way that your parish is supporting religious vocations. Thank you for your continued prayers for all those in religious formation throughout the diocese. PLEASE WELCOME OUR SEMINARIAN SPEAKER
On the weekend of May 17-18, St. Louis will welcome seminarian JOSEPH DAHEIM, currently in Theology II at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. Joseph is from St. Luke’s in Temple and will be speaking at all English/Spanish Masses that weekend to tell us about his faith journey toward priesthood. HIGH SCHOOL DISCERNMENT DINNERS
Join other high school-aged men in a great meal, prayer and discussion every first Wednesday of the month, at St. William Parish Rectory, 1105 Deer Run, Round Rock. Come and learn more about discernment and the call to priestly life. RSVP to Fr.Alex at 512-600-8154 or fralex@saintwilliams.org for more information. SINGLE, CATHOLIC MEN (18 or older) interested in discerning their vocation
in life are invited to an informal dinner with others who are also considering the possibility of the seminary and priesthood. The gathering is held at the Borromeo House at 905-B Duncan Lane in Austin. For more information, contact the diocesan vocation director, Father Brian McMaster at 512-949-2430 or fr-brianmcmaster@austindiocese.org
ELECTRONIC TITHING EQUALS CONVENIENCE St. Louis offers an option for electronic tithing, which has several advantages. If you tithe electronically, you won’t have to make sure you have the correct denominations of currency or be writing a check during Mass. It’s especially convenient if you don’t attend Mass at St. Louis on a par ticular Sunday. Your tithe will still be going here. For example, if you go out of town for summer vacation and go to Mass there, your tithe will still be going to your parish. St. Louis uses an organization called WeShare for the automatic tithing. It lists all the various choices you can donate to, and you can do a onetime donation or a reoccurring donation. You get to decide how often and on what day/date. If you want to change the amount for any reason, all you have to do is log into your account at st-louis.weshareonline.org and make the changes. To get started either click on the Donate Online button on the St. Louis website, www.st-louis.org or go directly to st-louis.weshareonline.org If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Betty Davidson at 512454-0384 ext 203 or email betty. davidson@st-louis.org
Around the Diocese and beyond April 26-27 Seminarians and Priest Education and Formation Collection This diocesan collection helps fund the costs associated with the education and formation of our seminarians, which is increasing yearly. The collection is a major source of funds for the seminary budget and for the those priests who are seeking continuing education and formation in their vocation.
All weekend retreats are $195 for private room, $160 for shared room, $85 for commuter. All day retreats are $35 Join us for a weekend exploring writing as a tool for fostering intimate prayer. We will use guided and include lunch. For more information or registration writing exercises, visual and musical props to invite participants into spiritual conversations with May 24-25 Archdiocese for the Military Services on Anne upcoming contact 254-780-2436 or skills email the sacred. Klock, flutist,retreats, will provide the sacred music for this retreat. NO writing are (AMS) Collection required, only a willingness to ponder and listen—with pen in hand! Led byinclude: author Maria Ruiz cedarbrake@austindiocese.org Next events Scaperlanda. This retreat is open to both men and women. This nationwide collection is to provide the sacraments and the April 11-13 Healing Our Image of God Writing as Prayer: Sept 13-15
“The Shack” with Sr. Lois Dideon: Oct. 4- 6
Fr. Matt Linn will present this weekend retreat, a great “Meet Me at the Shack ~ Love, Papa” So you’ve read The Shack. Would you like to come and opportunity toit? beHave healed of the distorted weyour have of Would God experience it and talk about you wondered why God put images this book in hands? embrace the with unconditional and mercy that awaits each you likeand to spend the weekend others who have love been touched and challenged by The Shack, reflecting, sharing and experiencing weekend include If presentations, time of unpacking, us. Shared rooms only for God? this The retreat arewill$160. you desire for discussion, guided imagery and relaxing beauty. a private room, call or email to be put on a waiting list if they become available. First come, first serve. Commuters pay $85. The Gospel of John: Oct. 14_ The fourth gospel is written in great poetic language by John often telling two levels of stories at May 8 A Day with Saints John XXIII and the same time. This day will be an opportunity to enter more deeply into the Woman at the Well John PaulSix.II story and the Eucharist Discourse in Chapter Brian Egan will present this day.
On&April this year, Francis is to canonize The Art Heart 27th of the of Spiritual Life Pope Fr. Hasse, OFM: Nov. 1-3
Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Both popes have had a major The Art and Heart of the Spiritual Life: Based upon his bestselling book, Catching Fire, Becoming impact on the church. Time will be spent learning more about Flame: A Guide for Spiritual Transformation, this weekend retreat focuses upon some of the these holy and contribution each made to the important elements andmen attitudes of a the vibrant spiritual life: confronting temptations, and faith. experiencing presence in our everyday, ordinarytime life andand routine. Fr. HaaseCost is The God’s day will include Mass, quiet sharing. is $35. is a popular speaker, spiritualofdirector and co- host &Life” on Relevant Radio. . Beverly Collin Cedarbrake is ofthe“Spirit presenter.
June 6-11 Nov. 14
Desert The Devil We Solitude Don’t Know Fr. Angelo Bertini Dec. 6-8 Silent Weekend Retreat Cedarbrake Staff Solitude Retreat begins on Friday, June 6 and Dec. 9 Advent Dinner Fr. Richard O’Rourke
Word of Christ to the men and women serving in our armed forces, patients in VA Medical Centers, civilians working for the federal government beyond U.S. borders and the families of these populations. To provide these services, they need your help. The AMS receives no federal funding and this is the firstever national Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
Marriage Encounter Retreat for your Marriage
Take time out for you and your spouse that will make a real difference in your marriage. Marriage Encounter offers weekend retreats at Cedarbrake Renewal Center. To find out more information about the next planned retreat, contact Steve and Linda Jaramillo, 512-677-9963 or email wwmeaustin@gmail.com Para informacion en espanol llamar al 512-844-0785.
Desert concludes on Wednesday, June 11. This is a 5-night, 6-day silent retreat To REGISTER: callPrayer 254-780-2436 go to www.austindiocese.org/cedarbrake with Centering as theorfocus. This is a wonderful time to Attention All Curistillistas! come to Cedarbrake and enjoy the quiet. There will be Mass All Weekend are $185 for private for shared room, each dayRetreats and spiritual direction forroom, those$155 interested. Cost 3 Austin Diocese English Cursillo has weekends scheduled $75 for commuter nights: $300 single, $550are couples. 4 include nights: lunch $360 single, $640 this spring. A women’s weekend is April 3-6 and the All Day Retreats $35 and men’s weekend is April 24-27. If you would like more couple. 5 nights: $420 single, $720 double.
information about these weekend retreats, please contact Robin Spencer at 254-220-3883 or robins@hot.rr.com
Relevant Radio Diocesan Collections in April & May April 18
Good Friday Pontifical Collection
Every year, each parish in the United States takes up a collection on Good Friday as designated by the Holy Father. This collection helps support the work of the Franciscans in the Holy Land. The money is used to care for the people and places of the Holy Land. This collection keeps Christianity alive in this area made holy by the life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
970 AM in Austin
Grow your faith and change your life with Relevant Radio 970 – “Austin’s Talk Radio for Catholic Life”. This nonprofit, listener-supported Catholic radio station bridges the gap between faith and everyday life by giving you a greater understanding of Catholicism in today’s secular society. Relevant Radio 970 is owned and operated by the largest Catholic talk radio network in the U.S., reaching more than 20 million people through 33 radio stations across the country and its internet broadcast at www.relevantradio.com Tune in today!